Eugene E. “Gene” Yoder, 83, of Nappanee, died at 6:06 a.m., Thursday, Feb. 11, 2016, at IU Health, Goshen from complications of Ampullary Cancer.
Gene was born Dec. 1, 1932, in Bremen to Elva and Lydian (Mast) Yoder.
He had lived his lifetime in this area. On Nov. 22, 1961, he married Patty A. Tobias in Nappanee.
She survives, along with children, Steve (Mary) Kidd, Illinois; Rodney Yoder, Benton Harbor, Mich.; Roxanna Rice, Nappanee; grandchildren: Katie (Jordan) Stambaugh, Keller Yoder, Ashton Rice, Robin Rice; great-granddaughter: Gracie Ganshorn; brothers: Merlin (Ruth) Yoder, Nappanee; Gerald (Ginger) Yoder, Elkhart; sisters: Bernice Penrose, Nappanee and Betty Yunker, Elkhart.
He was preceded in death by sisters: Infant Mary Jane Yoder, Wilma Bricker; and brothers: Delbert and Lewis Yoder.
Gene served in the U.S. Army in Germany during the Korean War, 1951–1954. He retired 21 years ago from Utilimaster and had also worked at Holiday Rambler, Leisure Time and Mutschler Brothers. Eugene and Pat wintered the last 19 years in Mission, Texas. He was an avid Notre Dame fan. He served as usher at Notre Dame football games. He was a member and past commander of the Nappanee American Legion with whom he served as sergeant of the color guard and was a member of the VFW. He was a member of the Nappanee First Brethren Church. Gene enjoyed bluegill fishing at Great Bear Lake, was an avid game and card player and was the leader of the Bicycle Club at El Valle Del Sol/Del-Luna in Mission, Texas.
Family and friends may call from 3-7 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 14, at Thompson-Lengacher & Yoder Funeral Home, Nappanee and for one hour prior to the funeral service which will be at 10:30 a.m., Monday, Feb. 15 at the First Brethren Church. Rev. Bart Shaw and Rev. Tom Schiefer will officiate.
Burial will be in Union Center Cemetery with Military Graveside Services by the Nappanee American Legion.
Memorial contributions may be given to First Brethren Church, Nappanee American Legion, or The Cancer Center at IU Health, Goshen.